What The Hell Am I Doing Here? (ELLE)

[Sparx Larsa]

After introducing Elle to the others, Sparx turned to the girl and realized the absolute terror forming on her face. Of course she was scared! She didn’t know where she was, what was going on, and now three soldiers carrying weapons were present on the scene. Sparx would have been terrified himself. Once he captured his second wind, or possibly his third; between falling, explosions, and being scared to death he had no idea how many lives he had left, he stood from the floor. His legs were a bit unsteady, but one of the soldiers helped him up. He nodded in appreciation, then turned and walked over to Elle. ”Hey, Elle. It’s okay. Everything’s gonna be okay.” He put his hands on her tiny shoulders and smiled at the girl in his efforts to calm her down, but things weren’t made any easier by the soldiers.

“Sparx, who… what is that, and why does she have you coat?”

”Well I wasn’t just going to let her wander around naked.” He turned away from Elle to speak to the soldiers, but stood right in front of her; almost as if he was trying to separate the two parties from one another. He rubbed the back of his brown hair whenever he got nervous, and his legs were still somewhat unsteady. He knew the soldiers would take issue with Elle’s presence, but he also knew that if things weren’t straightened out immediately, Elle could be in really serious danger.

“Sparx…”

”Her name’s Elle. I found her.”

“Found her? What do you mean you found her?” One of the other soldiers didn’t like the thought of just finding things on supposedly dead planets.

”Well… She was hibernating in the lab that just exploded.” This really wasn’t going well, and he knew that if he could feel the soldier’s hostilities rising, he was sure Elle could as well. Quietly though, he reached back and took hold of her uninjured hand. Her skin was so soft, and her hand was so tiny in his. Unconsciously, he caressed her skin with his thumb: something his mother used to do whenever Sparx was scared or sad about something. It always comforted him when she did so, and his subconscious mind seemed to inherit this gesture.

“What is she, Sparx.” They sounded uneasy when questioning him.

”Well she’s… a Mechanoid.”

“An unregistered Mechanoid on a dead planet? Really, Sparx! Have you lost your mind!”

”She’s not dangerous!”

“How do you know? You don’t have any idea of what she’s capable of! She could be highly unstable!”

In any other case they might have been right. Hell, when Sparx first found the girl he too was terrified of her capabilities. Even so, it must have either been a mix of intrigue, or empathy, but he soon disregarded any thoughts of this girl being hostile in any way. ”I’m taking her back with us.”

“YOU’RE WHAT?!”

”Well what am I supposed to do? Put her back where I found her? If we’re going to be studying this planet than eventually she’ll be found, and then what? What do you think the Research Development staff will do once they get their hands on her?”

“That’s not any of our-”

”Your concern! But it is mine! Don’t forget; I’m in charge of this mission, so we’re taking her back. That’s an order!” His heart was pumping hard. Never had he ever stood up for himself with such vigor, yet here he was advocating for Elle’s place among the soldiers.

There was a stunned silence. It was true that he was in charge, but only because he was Mission Control. He wasn’t a soldier, nor was he a commanding officer. The silence was killing him, but eventually one of the officers broke the silence with a defeated sigh. “Command Central is not going to like this…”

”I’ll deal with them.” Sparx’s voice fell nearly breathless. This was one small victory, yes, but from here it would only get more difficult. It was extremely dangerous, especially in the Uncharted Zones, to interact with anything that was unfamiliar. Mechanoids were a special threat. You could never be sure what they’re programmed to do. Security bots could shoot on sight, spies could record military presence and send it to a hostile third party. Then there was the chance that an unstable Mechanoid could randomly self-destruct. Depending on the payload it delivered, it could take out an entire squad. It was extremely dangerous to pick up an Unregistered Mechanoid, and Sparx knew this, but still… he just felt compelled to protect Elle, and figure out everything there was to know about her.

“Whatever. Let’s move! We’re heading back to the ship and ending operations here for the day. Oh, and Sparx. You’re officially relieved of your duties overseeing my squadron.” In other words, he just got fired.

The young scientist breathed a heavy sigh through his nostrils. This would mean that he’d be written up; more than likely for poor judgment and putting a squad in danger. It’d also go on his permanent record and affect his career. Was he slowly falling down the path of Mad Scientist obsessed with a robot and throws everything away on it, just to turn up alone and crazy in some lighthouse on a dreary island?

Fixing his face, he turned to Elle with a happy smile. ”Well it looks like we’ll be staying together just a little while longer. We’re going back to my home now. You’re going to see a lot of people on the way, but I’ll be right by your side the entire time. Once we get back to my home, though, it’ll just be you and me, okay?” He wanted to reassure her that everything would be fine. At the same time, he wanted to prepare her for the many faces that’d she’d see along the way. Most just soldiers silently staring at her trying to figure out what she was. Hopefully, it would be a short trip back to the Science Vessel. At least there she would be able to take a break from all this stimulation.

“Elle,” His smile widened and his voice softened. ”Let me know when you’re ready to leave, okay?” The other soldiers had already started on their way back to the planet’s surface, but one lingered waiting for Sparx to follow.

{{OOC: well that was a longer post than I thought, lol But so far so good}}

[E L L E]

Elle hide behind Sprax as they argued back and forth. It scared her just like how it scares a child to be around when their parents shout at each other. The only thing was that parents would always love you, these people would care what happened to her.

When he reached behind to take her and she held onto his hand tightly. She even stood closer to him so she was pressed against his back, almost as if she was trying to hide completely from them. Even once the situation seemed to be sorted Elle was still scared. She was beging to think that this was how she was forever to feel…

But when he turned around there was a smile on his face and Elle believed it. He seemed happy so surely everything is okay now.

”Well it looks like we’ll be staying together just a little while longer. We’re going back to my home now. You’re going to see a lot of people on the way, but I’ll be right by your side the entire time. Once we get back to my home, though, it’ll just be you and me, okay?”

The thought of seeing many more people didn’t scare her so much as terrify her so much she just stood dead still. If it wasn’t for her breathing you’d think she had frozen or something. People always wanted to hurt her because she was different… People where bad… But not Amy.

Any not Sprax. He could of left her alone but he didn’t. He helped her out and comforted her when she was scared… just like Amy did. She knew that he was not Amy in any way, but Elle felt she needed someone like that.

“Elle, Let me know when you’re ready to leave, okay?”

She moved before she realised it and wrapped her arms around him to hug against him. She was a machine but her touch as so gentle and soft, it again was very hard to believe she was not Alive. She looked up at him as they hugged before looking away so she could rest her head against him. She was just tall enough to rest her head just on his chest.

She realised that there was still no message left for Amy in case she came back. And now if she did come back to see the Lab blown up, she would think the worse. Or not. Amy was smart and would see that there was no remains. She would know she got free and save.

She let out a soft sigh- she felt so weak and hungry, a feeling she still had not become accustom too. “I-I’m ready Sprax.” She said at last. She wanted to bad to leave a message for Amy but she was scared and wanted to be somewhere safe… Somewhere were people wont hurt her…

[Sparx Larsa]

Before he knew it, Elle had wrapped her arms around his waist tightly and he gasped. Then, his entire frame was petrified when he felt her soft breasts press against his body. He’d never had a girl hug him like this before, and his face turned a bright red color. No, he needed to relax. Besides, she wasn’t really a girl… er, well she was a girl, but she wasn’t… real… well… was. It was different, though. She was a Mechanoid. Not a human.

Oh how she challenged this with such bright, beautiful eyes. The girl looked up at him with big, doe eyes, and he felt his heart skip a beat. She was like a mechanical angel sent from the Gamer Gods as appreciation for his sportsmanship and contribution to the gaming community. Well… maybe not, but still! How many people could say such a unique Mechanoid literally falls into their lap?

She placed her head against his chest and pressed her body against him even more. God, this was amazing! He didn’t know what to do. He trembled a bit from the sensation of her body against his. This was… such a new feeling. He wondered if real girls felt like this. ~God, I’m pathetic…~A depressed smile fell upon his face as he pictured the Forever Alone meme.

Still, he put his arms around her timid frame. Her skin still felt cold from her hibernation, but at the same time, he could feel a strangely human warmth emanating from her. He enjoyed the way she felt in his arms, but wondered if he should. She was a Mechanoid, after all. She was far from human, no matter how closely she resembled one. He wondered if it would be such a good idea to invest his feelings in her. Still, she felt so real… He doubted he could help it even if he tried.

“I-I’m ready Sprax.” When she said his name, he trembled a bit Her tiny voice was incredibly timid. Were it not for his sensitive ears he probably wouldn’t have even heard her speak. He nodded, realizing he was probably keeping his teammates waiting. Gently, he pulled away, and then took hold of her uninjured hand. With a smile, he lead her away down the dimply lit corridor. The soldier who was standing post walked in front of the two and illuminated the way with his glowing suit.


It was a long and somewhat awkward ride back to the Science Vessel Alexi. Sparx kept true to his word and sat next to Elle the entire time, but there were still other passengers in the transport that were wary of her presence. Unregistered Mechanoids were extremely dangerous; especially one that was found in the Uncharted Zones. Hell, everything was dangerous in the Uncharted Zones.

Thankfully, modern technology lead to the invention of warp-lanes. Once they entered the Free Zones, it was a good fifteen minute warp before they were back in Alliance territory. They docked at the Science Vessel, and completed the sign-in procedures, though Sparx did have to fill out a notice letting Central Command know there was an undocumented Mechanoid in his possession. That was the easy part. The hard part would come much later, when he would be called upon by central command and interrogated as to his motives behind bringing her aboard. He didn’t want to think about that right now. It was a long day, and he was tired.

Using the central elevators, he and Elle quickly arrived at the living quarters of the Science Vessel. The Crew Dormitories were far less crowded than the barracks just one level below, but there were still a nice-sized population of others lounging about. The area was a wide space. Windows were placed trategically around the circular area into outer space. It may not have been as lively as the Uncharted Zones, but there was still a lot to be seen. Large, monstrous transport ship coasting along on their trade routes. Streamline jets practicing maneuvers or patrolling the area around the science vessel. Space was very much alive here, as well as inside the vessel.

Though it was more populated by humans, there was a nice collection of different races making their rounds in the common area. Some people ate together, most crowded around the holographic screen as they watched the latest stories on the Holonet. There were even a few Mechanoids, but none were nearly as perfect or lifelike as Elle.

In this area, the girl went mostly unnoticed. A few wandering eyes would catch a glimpse of her, but they wouldn’t stare as hard at the girl as they would at Sparx. He was almost never seen with a female, so for this young girl to be found in his company was certainly out of the ordinary. No one made a fuss at the time, but it must not have been a very good look for him to speed-walk through the corridor and take this strange new girl straight to his dorm. He would definitely have to answer some questions later.

Once the metallic doors shut behind him it was like all the tension in his body was released in one loud sigh. He slid against the metal door and plopped his butt on the floor. Finally, the most intense day of his human life was over. He smirked, then even laughed a bit at his situation. He really screwed himself this time. In one day, he’d fallen, been blown up, been written up, and now he would soon have to respond to a meeting with central command addressing this chaotic series of events that was sure to leave a great big stain on his resume.

Still, his electric blue eyes fell upon Elle, and all that didn’t seem so bad. He smiled at the girl, then closed his eyes again and relaxed a bit more on the floor. The interior of his dorm had white carpet flooring, which was very soft and very warm. Sparx would sometimes spend too much time gaming to the point where he’d fallen asleep many times in the living area or his study. It helped to hae a nice comfy floor to lay on. Metal tended to stick to your skin if you laid on it for too long, so when you alarm clock startles you awake it feels like you ripped your face off if you jump up too fast.

From where he and Elle were it was a short hall, which lead to the center of his living area. Most of his dorm was an opaque color, which was accented nicely to the dark, yet colorful pieces of furniture around the room. At the far end was a couch that faced a wall where he could project a screen. He mostly used this area for catching up on the latest reports on the web while eating breakfast: a slice of buttered toast, maybe some bacon if he wasn’t too lazy to fry it up, and a cool glass of juice.

The kitchen was just a short walk away and was open to the living room. It was a very basic set-up: a refrigerator, stove, dish-washer, microwave, food processor, and a few cabinets and counters. The two rooms were separated by a neat wood dining table, which he hardly ever used considering how he normally ate wherever there was a TV screen or computer. On the other side of the dorm was another short hall, which connected the living area to his bedroom.

He really couldn’t wait to lay down, and his stomach was starting to growl as well. ”Ugh… getting’ hungry. Would you like something?” he paused, completely forgetting she was a Mechanoid. ”Can you… do you eat, like, normal food?” What kind of question was that? Still, what else could he say? She seemed extremely human up to this point. He was actually really curious to see if she also ate solid food as well. That would totally blow his mind.

[E L L E]

As they traveled together Elle stuck to him like glue. She would hold his hand constantly, only letting it go when he had to fill in some weird paperwork once at the other side. This being said she was shy enough to look around- Her eyes darted all over the place, looking at all the people. She had never seen so many. She even tried to smile at a solider once. It was a small timid smile, but with his helmet on she couldn't tell if he smiled back so she quickly looked away, feeling a bit silly and embarrassed.

She felt awkward the whole way. She could sense people staring at her even when she wasn't looking in their direction. Once in the elevators Elle gritted Sprax's hand a little tighter. She didn'didn'te how it made her feel slightly dizzy and unstable in the box. She was clearly glad when out of it.

And when she saw another Mechanoid she almost wanted to come to a stop but Sprax seemed in a hurry-beeliningg for his room. Elle's eyes shone for a second, scanning the image to memory. Shehadn'tt seen anyone else like her, but even then she didn't feel part of them. She wanted to be human. She wanted to be like Sprax. She had a heart that pumped like his did, she had lungs and a whole nerves system. Its just where his was made from flesh and blood, hers where from metal and oil. She also couldn't help notice that the Mechanoids she saw seemed to not interact with anyone. They where going little tasks and of course would mind out of people butwouldwouldn'tt like people. She felt a emotion spring up in her that shehadn'tt before. Pity.

She felt sorry for them. For not being about to understand the world like shone dayay could. She wished she could one day maybe help other mechanoids to become more human with free will one day. Elle didn'realizese of course how dangerous that would be. She just wanted people to never be alone, like she was. She had Amy, and now Sprax, but she will forever be alone in the world.

Elle was somewhat glad she wasn't getting as many looks here. There was still some in their direction but she could tell from theieye alinementnt that they where not looking at her, but more at Sprax.

When the doors shut behind them and Sprax flopped to the floor she had let go of his hand. She stood and looked around, taking in what would seem to be her knew home.

”Ugh… getting’ hungry. Would you like something? Can you… do you eat, like, normal food?”

Elle looked back down at him. She was very hungry and nodded a little. "My Creator made eating help power my Core...And then I will repair myself.." She looked at her hand, the piece of his white coat was black with her blood, but it seemed to have stopped bleeding which was good. Her body was made so if she didnt eat she wouldnt die, but her ''power'' would become very low and she would get weak and then eventually shut down. There was no guaranty that she would turn back on either. "If i don't eat... I'll sleep forever. That's why Amy put me in Hibernation." She realized hibernation was sleeping also, but at least one she could wake from. That being said it would take a few months of no eating to set her off on a one way ticket to sleep land.

She paused for a bit and looked around again. "Sprax... Are you going to dismember me...?" her voice shook, and even her body did a little but. She knows he said he would look after her, but she didn't know what HE meant by that. This could be like one of the stories Amy once read to her, about two kids who are tempted into a house made of sweets and bread.

On a side note who in the world builds a house out of bread and sweets?? What if it rained. That story made no sense!... but the moral made sense to her. Not everything is what it seems and if your not careful a witch will stuff you into her oven and try and tea you.

But Sprax didn't look like he would. To be honest he looked as scared and worn out as she fell threw their own time together. But she couldn't be sure...

He could lie to her, but because she doesn't understand the concept of lying she would believe what he said. The only time she would question him is if he said something like Apples are grown out the butts of Horses. She of course, once finding out what an apple if and a horse is through the database Amy gave her, and know he was wrong. But she would believe it a LIE it would be that he didn't understand or was confused.

[Sparx Larsa]

"My Creator made eating help power my Core...And then I will repair myself.." As he listened to the girl speak, his eyes grew wide with fascination. It was amazing that she could actually eat. The person who made her must have been a scientific genius! Oh how amazing it would have been if Sparx got to meet such a man. Well… it could have been a woman, but honestly, someone as… finely detailed as Elle, it had to be a man’s fantasy, er, handy work.

She continued, "If i don't eat... I'll sleep forever. That's why Amy put me in Hibernation." He wondered if the replica had any real notion of what Death was. Her designs and programming were other-worldly on a scale of scientific advancement, yet her actual knowledge of the world seemed extremely limited; like that of a four-year-old. It made him wonder exactly how long has she been operational, and if her creator was even still alive. He was sure that whoever built her would have wanted to teach her many things: the only reason why she would not already have such prior knowledge installed, but for her to be as innocent and oblivious as she was, whoever made her must not have had much time with her.

This Amy person who she always refers to seems to have made the biggest impact in her life. Had Elle been abandoned before? Sparx stared deep into the young Mechanoid’s eyes. She was like Pandora’s box: filled with answers far beyond human comprehension, yet at the same time, she was a delicate and frail, like purest snow. He didn’t realize how long or hard he’d been staring, which probably gave Elle the wrong impression.

"Sprax... Are you going to dismember me...?"

He gasped. ”W-what?! No way!” He instantly sat up and, very exuberantly, continued. ”Elle do you have any idea how precious you are? You’re like, the most perfect thing in the universe! I’d never even think about taking you apart! That’s just, insane!”

Though he was being honest, he must have looked like a madman. Realizing this, he froze, and then backed off from her. ”Sorry! Sorry! I mean, you’re just… you’re too special to be taken apart. That’s why I’m going to fight to keep you. I don’t want anybody trying to dismember you.”

God, why was he such a nerd? He must have looked like a complete fool. Aside from the fact that she was a Replica, he had absolutely no idea about ANYTHING Elle was capable of. On top of that, he still had to appeal for guardianship over her, which could honestly go either way. He prayed he won his case. If he loses, then he honestly wouldn’t know what could happen to her. Who knows what those psychopathic engineers would do if they got a hold of her? They might be the ones to dismember her. If their perverted hormones didn’t get to them first.

”But, yeah… let’s try and change the subject. How about I make us something to eat? What do you like?” He had to stop and appreciate the fact that he was asking a Replica who could actually eat. Then it hit him: He didn’t have shit that counted for real food. He had a buttload of energy drinks, soda, juice, chips, cereal, popcorn, and all other high-energy, high-sugar –content snacks! He never had company, and especially not the company of a woman.

He did have some meats… well more like beef and pork. Maybe some poultry if it hadn’t gone bad. He was really lazy when it came to cooking, so food would sometimes spoil because he told himself he’d cook it the next day, then the next day comes and he puts it off for another week.

Maybe cup-noodles? Hell no. Girls didn’t like cup noodles, did they? They liked fancy noodles, but he didn’t have any fancy noodles. Then again, he could just cook the cup-noodles and then pour them on a plate, put some sauce and meat in there, and maybe some wine.

What the hell is wrong with him? She’s a Mechanoid, not a date! Ugh! This was soo frustrating. Regardless, he stepped into the kitchen area and started getting some pots together. He was a scientist after all. His creativity was perfect for situations like this. No, he wasn’t going to genetically engineer some amazing five-star meal, but he could at least make the cheap food he had look more pleasing to the eye. This was going to be interesting.

[E L L E]

”W-what?! No way! Elle do you have any idea how precious you are? You’re like, the most perfect thing in the universe! I’d never even think about taking you apart! That’s just, insane!”

Elle flinched back a little. It was such a infused answer, Elle was not expecting it. She almost felt somewhat as if she was being told off for even asking such a thing. And I suppose in a way she was. But the reaction from Sprax mirrored that of Amy’s… Maybe she could trust him.

”Sorry! Sorry! I mean, you’re just… you’re too special to be taken apart. That’s why I’m going to fight to keep you. I don’t want anybody trying to dismember you.”

Elle couldn’t help but feel a warmth inside her. He wanted to keep her. A small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. To feel cared for and special helped her relax and also would make it easier for her to accept that Sprax was her knew Owner.

”But, yeah… let’s try and change the subject. How about I make us something to eat? What do you like?”

Elle tried to think. She didn’t remember much of her time with Amy, and what she ate was the last thing she had thought she would need to remember. She watched him walk off to the kitchen before following him. She glanced around as following him, but because of this she kind of walked into the back of him and stumbled backwards a bit.

The blush that spread over her cheek as she looked at him before bowing her head as if trying to apologize silently to him. She didn’t realise how close she had been walking to him and to bump into him was slightly embarrassing and very rude.

She watched him with her head lowered as he got out the pots and pans. “Apples.” She said at last. She had enjoyed apples a lot, although realised after she said it that it was not much to go on and that if he was to give her just an apple, it wouldn’t fill her empty stomach.

“Ham Sandwiches…” Amy clearly loved her but she was a busy women herself. She didn’t always have the time to feed her meals. It was most the time sandwiches or the like. That and Elle was never awake long enough to feed a big meal. She had hoped Sprax wouldn’t put her to bed as much. She knew Amy did it for safety reason so didn’t hold it against her, but every time she did it Elle would cry and fear that Amy wouldn’t come back for her… and for it to have happened… She never wants to be put into hibernation again… never…

She moved away so she didn’t get in his way but still stuff near by so she could watch him. She wanted to ask to help but she didn’t know how to do anything like this. Amy never let her get her own food. “Can I Help?…”

[Sparx Larsa]

Sparx didn’t even realize how close by Elle was when she decided to follow him, but as soon as he stopped to grab some supplies, he felt her bump in to him. He blinked and looked at the girl, who had a light red blush on her face. His eyes widened like globes. She was blushing? She was blushing! Mechanoids couldn’t blush! Then he realized exactly how seriously adorable she was. Mechanoids weren’t adorable! Well… some were, but in a weird kinda way. She was the normal kind of adorable. What the hell was he going on about?

“Apples.” She said quietly. Sparx blinked, then a disappointed look fell upon his face. How could the one thing she ask of him he not have? Sparx wasn’t the type to really stock up on fruits. Strawberries and pears were his favorite, but he usually spent his budget on snacks and actual food, and the rest on neat gadgets and gizmos. Yeah, he was terrible with his money, but he always enjoys the things he buys so who cares? The next time he received his pay, he would have to compose a list of all of Elle’s favorites: Apples being number one.

“Ham Sandwiches.” He blinked and looked at the girl. A ham sandwich? Really? That was an… odd request. He laughed aloud. Any request for food from a Mechanoid would be odd. He smirked, then opened up the fridge and pulled out some ham.

”Alright, Elle! Prepare for the best damn ham sandwich you’ve ever tasted!” He grinned as he pulled out a skillet and turned on the stove, then sprayed it down with some cooking oil. The steam rose up, and he smirked.

“Can I help…?” He heard Elle’s small voice and looked over to her. She was staring up at him with those huge doe eyes, and he felt his face redden. Nobody could say no to that face. Nobody!

He nodded, and looked around, then was filled with glee as he spotted the loaf of bread. ”Actually, yeah, you can. Take four slices out of here and put them in the toaster.” The brown-haired cook gestured towards the silver toaster on the counter. ”Once you put them in, just pull down on that little button and they should be done in about two minutes.” He nodded, then turned the fire down a little before throwing some ham on it. It sizzled violently and he smirked.

It was a bit quiet, though, and Sparx liked to have a little music in the background. ”GameBox. Power on. Set playlist: Cookin’ With Sparx.” Responding to his voice, there was a slight hum from the living room area, followed by a bright screen on the wall. A list of song titled appeared on the screen, and then the rooms were filled with a smooth baseline and relaxing music.

[E L L E]

”Actually, yeah, you can. Take four slices out of here and put them in the toaster.”

Elle glanced over at the loaf of bread. She looked at it for a second as if trying to process what he had asked her to do. She moved over to the bread bin and pulled out the loaf. She at first pulled at the plastic wrapper not understanding how to get a slice out, let alone four. When she notices the little tag on the wrapper and pulled it off she felt a little silly that she had struggled with it for the first few seconds.

”Once you put them in, just pull down on that little button and they should be done in about two minutes.”

From where she had tugged at the wrapper and kinda squashed the bread loaf, the slices where a bit misshaped. She put them on the counter before gently trying to make them return to said shape. Once she realized this just kinda made the bread weak and fall apart a little she just place it in the toaster, looking over her shoulder to check Sprax wasn't watching how badly she was failing at this.

She looked back at the toaster and pressed down the little button. As the toaster... toasted, she glanced over at Sprax. She was watching him putting something in something else. She wasn't quiet sure but the smell from it made her stomach grumble.

”GameBox. Power on. Set playlist: Cookin’ With Sparx.”

When the music came on Elle looked around as if thinking it was someone singing RIGHT there. She turned on a full circle before looking back at the toaster. Just at that moment it popped and she jumped back, feeling her 'heart' jump into her throat. She was dead still like a deer in headlights. But when she realized it was okay she moved over to look at the toaster. Sprax wasn't freaking out, and she had seen him freak out in danger. So no freaking out Sprax? No danger?

Three of the 4 toast had popped out and where easy to pick out and she placed them on the counter in a neat pile. She moves to tip the toaster towards her and was just about to put her hand into the toaster to pick out the last piece. Suddenly something in her vision which she hadn't seen before. A outline the colour of red outlined the toaster and a little triangle warning sign appeared next to it with the word 'HOT' under it.

She pulled her hand away and pondered for a second before suddenly turning the whole toaster upside down and banged it against the side until the slice slide out onto the counter. She put the now slightly dented toaster back down and put the toast onto the pile neatly.

She did notice that from upturning the toaster had left a lot of crumbs all over the counter. She used her hands to gently brush it over to the edge of the counter before cupping her hand and brushing into it the crumbs.

Instead of binning them like someone would do she gently sprinkled them on the toast pile- as if thinking she needed all of the toast together to complete her task. Once finished she put her hands down by her side and looked at Sprax with big round eyes, waiting for confirmation that she completed her task successfully.

[Sparx Larsa]

Sparx was really getting in to cooking. He hadn’t actually made real food in about a week now, if this even counted as real food. It definitely wasn’t chips and soda, but it wasn’t a real ‘dinner’ either. Still, it was for Elle. He’d be lying if he said he didn’t want to impress her. He’d never cooked for a girl before. But she wasn’t really a girl, so she’d be impressed anyway, right? Or would she just give a glassy and expressionless stare as she nom nom noms on his meat? His face went red at the thought. That did not sound PG at all…

He shook the blush away from his face and went back to cooking. The ham was looking pretty good, so he figured now would be about the time where the toast should be done. Just as he turned to see how Elle was doing,

*Wham!* *Wham!* *Wham!*

The scientist could only stare in a paralyzed shock as he watched her shake out the last mangled piece of toast on to the counter before placing it neatly on the little pile she made. He didn’t know what to say. His mind was totally blown from such a sudden… what would you even call that? Elle then proceeded to take the pile of broken toast crumbs and placed them on the top of the pile of bread as if she believed every small piece needed to be included.

A smirk twitched upon his face as he looked at her, then he even managed a tiny awkward laugh as she looked up at him like a small child awaiting her praise. He couldn’t help but laugh a little on the inside. For something so advanced, it appeared as if she only knew the bare minimum. ”G-good job, Elle.” He reached out and rubbed her soft hair. He smiled at her; Mechanoid or not, she was still adorable. Too bad his toaster had to suffer for it. And the toast…

”Alright… let’s see what we can do with this…” He cut the fire of so the ham wouldn’t burn and set it to the side, then grabbed a second plate for himself and took the two most damaged pieces of toast for himself. He wouldn’t make Elle eat this, so he decided to take it for himself. ”And don’t worry about the crumbs. You don’t need those.” He scraped the burnt crumbs from their toast and into the bin at the bottom of the counter.

He got out the mayo and some lettuce and, this time, demonstrated for Elle the proper way to make a sandwich. ”Whenever you’re spreading something creamy over bread, you do it like this.” He made sure to be very smooth and not cake on a whole heap of mayo, as he was sure Elle probably would have done if he didn’t stop to show her. ”And once you’re done painting it, then you take some lettuce and lay a piece over it.” Again, he demonstrated for her by laying a single piece of lettuce over the mayo-covered bread. ”Now you give it a try.” He handed her the plastic jar of mayo and a spoon. He didn’t think it would be a good idea to give her a knife yet. They’ll work on that later. ”Here.” He pulled the other slice of her toast in front of her so that she could put the mayo on.

While she worked on hers, he would attempt to do something with his. Didn’t make sense to use mayo. The toast was so mangled it wasn’t enough surface left to put mayo on. So with a shrug, he just skipped that part and threw some lettuce on it, then the slices of fried ham before closing his sandwich. He remembered he forgot to get some juice out and went into the fridge. He grabbed some apple juice and was proud of himself for having such a healthy choice in his fridge. He wondered if Elle would like it since she seemed to like apples.

He got two cups, dropped a few ice cubes in them, and then filled them about three-quarters, then smirked. Apple Juice and Ham Sandwiches. Not a five-star meal, but it’ll have to do.

[Sparx Larsa]

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